Themed Apparel Decoration Kit

ABSTRACT

A clothing decoration kit that is related to a specific theme. The kit includes a container, at least one article of clothing disposed in the container, a plurality of decorative components that are related to the theme disposed in the container, and affixing means for affixing at least some of the decorative components to the article of clothing to create a themed article of clothing.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a kit that includes components for decorating apparel and a method of using same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Parties at holidays such as Christmas, Halloween, St. Patrick's Day and the like often involve patrons dressing in costumes. For example, Christmas sweater parties have become popular during December. The funny, unusual or loud sweaters are generally based on actual sweaters that were popular during the 1980's and 1990's that are now considered unfashionable by current standards. However, it is often difficult to find appropriate clothing or apparel for the parties.

SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a clothing decoration kit that is related to a specific theme. The kit includes a container, at least one article of unadorned clothing disposed in the container, a plurality of decorative components that are related to the theme disposed in the container, and affixing means for affixing at least some of the decorative components to the article of clothing to create a themed article of clothing. In a preferred embodiment, the container includes indicia on an outside surface thereof that is related to the theme. Preferably, the decorative components include a cloth sheet from which figures related to the theme can be cut. In a preferred embodiment the kit includes at least three different types of decorative components that are all related to the theme. Preferably, the affixing means includes glue, a needle and thread, and some of the decorative components are configured to be affixed to the article of clothing by glue and others of the decorative components are configured to be affixed to the article of clothing by needle and thread. In a preferred embodiment, the container includes indicia on an outside surface thereof that are related to the theme.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method that includes obtaining a clothing decoration kit that is related to a specific theme. The kit includes a container, at least one article of clothing disposed in the container, a plurality of decorative components disposed in the container, and affixing means for affixing at least some of the decorative components to the article of clothing. The decorative components are related to the theme. The method includes removing the article of clothing and the decorative components from the container, and using the affixing means to affix at least some of the decorative components to the article of clothing to provide a themed article of clothing. In a preferred embodiment, the decorative components include a cloth sheet, and the method includes the step of cutting figures that are related to the theme from the cloth sheet. In a specific embodiment, the theme is Christmas, and the themed article of clothing is a Christmas sweater. In a preferred embodiment, the affixing means includes glue, a needle and thread, and the glue is used to affix some of the decorative components and the needle and thread are used to affix others of the decorative components. Preferably, the method includes the step of wearing the themed article of clothing to an event related to the theme.

The invention, together with additional features and advantages thereof, may be best understood by reference to the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a kit that includes a container having an article of clothing and components for decorating the article of clothing therein;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the components of the box of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 is a themed article of clothing after it has been completed and is being worn.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description and drawings are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description. References to one or an other embodiment in the present disclosure can be, but not necessarily are, references to the same embodiment; and, such references mean at least one of the embodiments.

Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. Appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not other embodiments.

The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in the specific context where each term is used. Certain terms that are used to describe the disclosure are discussed below, or elsewhere in the specification, to provide additional guidance to the practitioner regarding the description of the disclosure. For convenience, certain terms may be highlighted, for example using italics and/or quotation marks: The use of highlighting has no influence on the scope and meaning of a term; the scope and meaning of a term is the same, in the same context, whether or not it is highlighted. It will be appreciated that the same thing can be said in more than one way.

Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein. Nor is any special significance to be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. Synonyms for certain terms are provided. A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification including examples of any terms discussed herein is illustrative only, and is not intended to further limit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given in this specification.

Without intent to further limit the scope of the disclosure, examples of instruments, apparatus, methods and their related results according to the embodiments of the present disclosure are given below. Note that titles or subtitles may be used in the examples for convenience of a reader, which in no way should limit the scope of the disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, the present document, including definitions, will control.

It will be appreciated that terms such as “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “side,” “short,” “long,” “up,” “down,” and “below” used herein are merely for ease of description and refer to the orientation of the components as shown in the figures. It should be understood that any orientation of the components described herein is within the scope of the present invention.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating the present invention and not for purposes of limiting the same, FIGS. 1-3 show a clothing decoration kit 10. Specifically, FIGS. 1-3 show a kit 10 that can be used to make a Christmas sweater. The Christmas sweater kit 10 is only exemplary and, as described below, it will be appreciated that the clothing decoration kit described herein can be used for other themes, holidays, events and occurrences.

As shown in FIGS. 1-2, in a preferred embodiment, the kit 10 generally includes a container 12, at least one article of clothing 14 that is disposed in the container 10 (see the folded sweater in FIG. 2), a plurality of decorative components 16 that are disposed in the container 10, and affixing means 18 for affixing the decorative components 16 to the article of clothing 14. The container 10 can be, for example, a box, sack, pail, bucket, bag, housing or any other container for holding items therein. In a preferred embodiment, the container 10 includes an opening 19 therein through which the article of clothing 14 can be viewed. This allows a consumer to see the color and other characteristics of the article of clothing 14. It will be appreciated that the article of clothing 14 can be any article of clothing or wearable apparel. For example, the article of clothing 14 can be a sweater, t-shirt, long sleeve shirt, button down shirt, shorts, pants, underwear, bra, gloves, hat, shoes, socks, head band, etc.

In a preferred embodiment, the decorative components 16 are related to a specific theme, holiday, event, etc. For the Christmas sweater kit 10, the decorative components 16 include, for example, gifts 20, cotton balls 22, ornaments 24, bows 26, bells 28, googly eyes 30, snow flakes 32, reindeer 34, string of beads 35 and a glitter stick 36. In a preferred embodiment, the decorative components 16 also include a cloth sheet 38 that can be used to cut any desired shape therefrom. For example, in FIG. 3, the article of clothing 14 includes the words HO HO HO thereon. The letters can be cut from the cloth sheet 38.

Any type of affixing means 18 for affixing the decorative components 16 to the article of clothing 14 is within the scope of the present invention. For example, the affixing means 18 can include glue 40, needles 42 and thread 44, adhesive, iron-ons, staples, snaps, buttons, Velcro, epoxy, etc. As shown in FIG. 2, the glue 40 can be used to adhere/affix the cotton balls 22, snow flakes 32, reindeer 34, beads 35 and FIGS. 37 cut from the cloth sheet 38 to the article of clothing 14, and the needles 42 and thread 44 can be used to affix the gifts 20, ornaments 24, bows 26, bells 28, etc. to the article of clothing 14.

In an exemplary use of the kit 10, after being invited to a holiday party or event, a user obtains the a kit 10, removes the article of clothing 14, the decorative components 16, and the affixing means 18 from the container 12, and then uses the affixing means 18 to affix at least some of the decorative components 16 to the article of clothing 14. An exemplary finished product, referred to herein as a themed article of clothing 50 is shown in FIG. 3. In a preferred embodiment, the kit 10 also includes instructions for how to use the kit.

As discussed above, in a preferred embodiment, the kit 10, decorative components 16 and the themed article of clothing 50 relate to a specific theme or an event or occurrence, such as a holiday. For example, the holiday can be Christmas, Halloween, St. Patrick's Day, Thanksgiving, Easter, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Cinco de Mayo, Fourth of July, Valentine's Day, New Years, Hanukkah or any holiday in the United States or any other country. Examples of non-holiday events include birthday party, bachelor party, bachelorette party, baby shower, graduation, 60's party, 70's party, 80's party, 90's party or engagement party. Examples of other themes include sports teams, school teams or pride (e.g., college, high school sports, mascots, etc.), movies, TV shows, bands, genres of music, pub crawl. As used herein, the term “theme” refers to any holiday, event, type of party, and or any of the examples given above of a type of kit. In an embodiment, the decorative components 16 include theme related sayings, designs, phrases, words or symbols.

As shown in FIG. 1, in a preferred embodiment, the container 12 includes indicia 52 thereon that is related to the theme. The indicia 52 can include lettering (e.g., “Christmas Sweater Kit”), symbols (e.g., snow flakes), pictures related to the theme or any other graphics or indicator that the kit 10 is related to a specific theme. In an embodiment, more than one article of clothing can be included in the kit.

Examples are different types of kits are as follows. In a St Patrick's Day kit, the decorative components may include shamrocks, clovers, leprechauns, pots of gold, rainbows, or gold/green glitter. In a Fourth of July kit, the decorative components may include American flags, stars, liberty bells, fireworks, red/white/blue embellishments, red/white/blue beaded necklaces. In a birthday party kit, the decorative components may include balloons, streamers, birthday cakes, cupcakes, candles, presents, boys or girls themed colored embellishments. In a sports team kit, the decorative components may include sporting good items depending on sport (baseball, bat, football, helmet, basketball , soccer ball) trophies, stars, foam fingers, mascots, pennants, sport sayings, such as “go team!”. In a school pride kit, the decorative components may include cheerleaders, pom poms, mascots, various cut-outs and embellishments in school colors. In a Hanukkah kit, the decorative components may include dreidels, menorahs or Stars of David. In a Halloween kit, the decorative components may include pumpkins, jack-o-lanterns, ghosts, candy corns, witches, tombstones, skulls, or bats. In a Thanksgiving kit, the decorative components may include pumpkins, gourds, autumn leaves, pilgrims, turkeys or Indians. In an Easter kit, the decorative components may include rabbit ears, bunnies, eggs, easter baskets, crosses, chicks, pastel glitter embellishments or tulips. In a bachelorette kit, the decorative components may include bows, hearts, rings, phallus shaped articles, martini glasses, male cut-outs, veils, or tiaras. In a Valentine's Day kit, the decorative components may include hearts, conversation hearts, cupids, X's and O's, lips or roses. In a Cinco de Mayo kit, the decorative components may include sombreros, ponchos, cacti, pinatas, mariachis, chilis peppers, mustaches, maracas or guitars. In a graduation kit, the decorative components may include caps & gowns, stars or diplomas.

It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the kit can be used in other processes and methods. For example, a method can be provided in which an organizer throws a themed party to which multiple people are invited. At the party a kit 10 can be provided by the organizer to each of the attendees. The attendees can then use the kit 10 they were provided to make their own themed article of clothing 50. In another embodiment each of the attendees can bring their own kit 10. In another embodiment, the organizer can throw a first party (e.g., a decorating party) at which the attendees create their own themed article of clothing 50 and then a second party (e.g., Christmas sweater party) or event (e.g., sporting event″) at which each of the attendees wear the themed article of clothing they created at the first party.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to.” As used herein, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling of connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,” and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where the context permits, words in the above Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number respectively. The word “or” in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.

The above-detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the teachings to the precise form disclosed above. While specific embodiments of and examples for the disclosure are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the disclosure, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize For example, while processes or blocks are presented in a given order, alternative embodiments may perform routines having steps, or employ systems having blocks, in a different order, and some processes or blocks may be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and/or modified to provide alternative or subcombinations. Each of these processes or blocks may be implemented in a variety of different ways. Also, while processes or blocks are at times shown as being performed in series, these processes or blocks may instead be performed in parallel, or may be performed, at different times. Further any specific numbers noted herein are only examples: alternative implementations may employ differing values or ranges.

The teachings of the disclosure provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments.

Any patents and applications and other references noted above, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Aspects of the disclosure can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the various references described above to provide yet further embodiments of the disclosure.

These and other changes can be made to the disclosure in light of the above Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments. While the above description describes certain embodiments of the disclosure, and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the teachings can be practiced in many ways. Details of the system may vary considerably in its implementation details, while still being encompassed by the subject matter disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the disclosure should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features or aspects of the disclosure with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the disclosures to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification unless the above Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the disclosure encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the disclosure under the claims.

While certain aspects of the disclosure are presented below in certain claim forms, the inventors contemplate the various aspects of the disclosure in any number of claim forms. For example, while only one aspect of the disclosure is recited as a means-plus-function claim under 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6, other aspects may likewise be embodied as a means-plus-function claim, or in other forms, such as being embodied in a computer-readable medium. (Any claims intended to be treated under 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6 will begin with the words “means for”). Accordingly, the applicant reserves the right to add additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the disclosure.

Accordingly, although exemplary embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it is to be understood that all the terms used herein are descriptive rather than limiting, and that many changes, modifications, and substitutions may be made by one having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A clothing decoration kit that is related to a specific theme, the kit comprising: a container, at least one article of clothing disposed in the container, a plurality of decorative components disposed in the container, wherein the decorative components are related to the theme, and affixing means for affixing at least some of the decorative components to the article of clothing to create a themed article of clothing.
 2. The clothing decoration kit of claim I wherein the container includes indicia on an outside surface thereof, wherein the indicia are related to the theme.
 3. The clothing decoration kit of claim 2 wherein the theme is a holiday.
 4. The clothing decoration kit of claim 1 wherein the decorative components include a cloth sheet from which figures related to the theme can be cut.
 5. The clothing decoration kit of claim 4 wherein the kit includes at least three different types of decorative components that are all related to the theme.
 6. The clothing kit of claim 5 wherein the affixing means includes glue, a needle and thread, and wherein some of the decorative components are configured to be affixed to the article of clothing by glue and others of the decorative components are configured to be affixed to the article of clothing by needle and thread.
 7. The clothing decoration kit of claim 6 wherein the container includes indicia on an outside surface thereof, wherein the indicia are related to the theme.
 8. A method comprising the steps of: obtaining a clothing decoration kit that is related to a specific theme, wherein the kit includes a container, at least one article of clothing disposed in the container, a plurality of decorative components disposed in the container, and affixing means for affixing at least some of the decorative components to the article of clothing, wherein the decorative components are related to the theme, removing the article of clothing and the decorative components from the container, and using the affixing means to affix at least some of the decorative components to the article of clothing to provide a themed article of clothing.
 9. The method of claim 8 wherein the container includes indicia on an outside surface thereof, wherein the indicia are related to the theme.
 10. The method of claim 9 wherein the decorative components include a cloth sheet, and wherein the method includes the step of cutting figures that are related to the theme from the cloth sheet.
 11. The method of claim 10 wherein the kit includes at least three different types of decorative components that are all related to the theme.
 12. The method of claim 11 wherein the theme is a holiday.
 13. The method of claim 12 wherein the holiday is Christmas, and the themed article of clothing is a Christmas sweater.
 14. The method of claim 11 wherein the affixing means includes glue, a needle and thread, and wherein the glue is used to affix some of the decorative components and the needle and thread are used to affix others of the decorative components.
 15. The method of claim 11 further including the step of wearing the themed article of clothing to an event related to the theme. 